Induction of Mesotheliomas and Sarcomas from “Hot Spots” of 239PuO2 Activity

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Abstract
Albino rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of approximately 2.8 μCi, submicron-sized 239PuO2 particles. From 30 to 35% of the initially injected dose was found in the omentum within fibrous adhesions by 6 months after plutonium injection. About 27% of the animals developed mesotheliomas and 38% sarcomas of various types. All but 3 of these tumors originated from the omental area with a median induction period of about 1 yr. The tumors spread by implantation on serosal surfaces, by infiltration and by metastasis. In addition to omental tumors, two osteogenic sarcomas and one reticulum cell sarcoma were found in PuO2 animals. The pathogenesis of PuO2-induced mesothelioma was similar to previously described mesothelioma formation following intracavitary administration of asbestos fibers. The distribution of PuO2 in fibrous adhesions was similar to that seen in tracheobronchial lymph nodes of beagle dogs following inhalation of 239PuO2. Likely sites for tumor formation from inhaled PuO2 may include mesenchymal tissue from lungs and thoracic lymph nodes and mesothelial lining of the pleura, particularly when the PuO2 is redistributed into “hot spots” of alpha activity.

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